The world of drones is becoming more and more prevalent in the market. From hobbyist to professional, there are a variety of models for all needs. In this article we will go over some of the best drones that fall under the $300 budget range from beginner-friendly, light weight models to high end 4K cameras with great battery life and stability control features for those who want their drone activities to be as action packed as possible!
What is the Best Drone Under 300?
We have compiled for you the top 8 Best Drone Under 300 in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with drones for less than $300 and having used several drones under 300 dollars you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drones under 300 dollars.
1. Potensic D58 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 18 Minutes Control Range: 1640 ft (500 m) Gimbal/ Stabilization: No SD Card Slot: Yes |
Elevate your adventures with the Potensic D58 drone. This remarkably agile device is considered one of the most valuable options for those desiring a blend of affordability and high performance in a drone under $300. You’ll be impressed by its 1080p high-definition camera, ensuring you capture fantastic footage or photos from a bird’s-eye view during your excursions.
One of the D58’s most impressive aspects is its extended flight time. This feature proves invaluable when you’re exploring vast landscapes and need more time in the air. Plus, it’s perfect for those trying their hand at drone flying, thanks to its durable build meant to withstand minor bumps and crashes.
This device also boasts three-speed modes, allowing you to adjust the drone’s speed to suit your skill level or the task at hand. But where speed may thrill, there are aspects falling slightly short. The Potensic D58 can occasionally be challenging to pair with its controller, and the controls may not be as intuitive as those of similar drones in this category.
Pros
- Delivers high-quality 1080p HD videos and photos,
- Extended battery life for longer flight time,
- Features three speed modes for varied uses,
- Durable build, ideal for novice drone flyers
Cons
- Occasional difficulty in pairing with controller,
- Less intuitive controls compared to rival drones
2. Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 23 Minutes Control Range: 999 meters Gimbal/ Stabilization: EIS SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 5 Hours |
Transform your regular drone flight into a modern cinematography experience with the Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone. Designed thoughtfully for mid-level users, this feature-packed option bring stunning visuals straight into your hands.
Our highlight is the Sony 4K camera that offers crisp, high-definition aerial photography, an exciting entry into the realm of drone images and videos. Although not built for professional gigs, spirited enthusiasts might appreciate the ability to capture 1080p slow-motion videos at 60fps. The lack of a gimbal is compensated by the much-appreciated Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), in charge of enhancing lens stability for top-notch footage.
Living up to its GPS-enabled glory, this flying marvel employs both pressure and optical flow sensors to achieve steadfast hovering precision. Stay in control and get creative with your flight sessions, thanks to the drone’s smart flight mode that lets you pre-set your route, resulting in an exciting visual journey.
Powering this quadcopter is a 2800mAh Li-Polymer (Li-Po) battery, recognized for its durability and extensive stamina. However, users should note that it takes a significant amount of time to fully recharge. Rounding off this drone’s lovable characteristics are its LED lights, adding a touch of glamour to your drone show under the night sky.
Pros
- GPS provides auto-return feature,
- Provides high-quality, stable imaging,
- Robust altitude hold feature,
- Supports up to 128GB microSD
Cons
- Not suitable for professional use,
- Charging time exceeds 5 hours
3. ATTOP A11 Toy Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 5 Minutes Control Range: 50 meters Charging Time: 0.75 Hours |
A11 is a smart choice for a gift to rattle down your chimney this Christmas. Its four-blade propellers give a spaceship appearance. They have 360⁰ guards so that children don’t get hurt.
Overall, it’s a stable and efficient RC quadcopter. It helps rookies absorb the basic controls and functions. The built-in headless function memorizes the orientation. One-key launch/land also comes in handy. Or you can kick-start by tossing it in the air. Anyways, keep the drone in sight!
A battery connects with a short type-C cable, lasting between 4-6 minutes. You get three of them for lasting enjoyment.
Pros
- 360⁰ rollover,
- Three batteries pack,
- Novice-friendly headless mode,
- Attractive kid’s drone
Cons
- Lack of calibration,
- Suitable for in-house flights
4. Altair Falcon AHP Mini Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.32 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 10.5 x 9.6 x 2.3 inches (26.7 x 24.4 x 5.8 cm) Max Flight Time: 10 Minutes Control Range: 590 SD Card Slot: 2 Charging Time: 1 Hours |
Imagine owning a professional-grade drone without spending a fortune? With Altair Falcon AHP Mini Drone, that dream becomes a reality. Designed with Autonomous Hovering and Positioning System (AHP), this exceptional drone offers seamless flying with minimal effort. This built-in feature facilitates a steady hover, reducing the time and energy put into calibration. Users speak highly of its smooth navigation capabilities, ranking it among the easiest devices to control.
The Falcon AHP arrives assembled and ready for liftoff straight from the box. Its intuitively crafted remote controller makes steering hassle-free. When it comes to capturing breathtaking aerial views, the built-in 720p HD camera doesn’t disappoint. With its live streaming feature enabled via WiFi, you can scan your surroundings or take stunning photos from a whole new perspective. To cover greater distances, its Flight Path preset mode allows customizable flight routing with a range of 110M.
The drone is feather-light, weighing just 4oz, which makes it a bit sensitive to high wind conditions. That said, it is incredibly durable for indoor use and comes with detachable propeller guards. Spare blades and landing gear are included, so you’ll always have replacements handy. With each full charge, the batteries provide around 10 minutes of flight time, adding up to 20 minutes of adrenaline-pumping action in total.
Pros
- Readily assembled for immediate use,
- User-friendly controls facilitate ease of flight,
- Ideal first drone for hobbyists of any age,
- Includes extra battery and spare components,
- Sturdy construction for enhanced lifespan
Cons
- Lengthy 3-hour battery charging time, Loses stability in windy conditions
5. Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 15 Minutes Control Range: 300 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 2 Hours |
Get your hands on cutting-edge innovation without burning a hole in your pocket with the Tizzy Toy S8 Upgraded Drone. Offering a slew of professional-grade features under $300, this toy drone takes your drone experience to sky-high levels.
Equipped with a 4K HD camera that can be adjusted up to 90 degrees, it captures stellar images and video quality that are sure to impress drone enthusiasts. But that’s not all the fun! With features like hovering and one-key landing, Tizzy Toy makes sure you enjoy every detail of the flying experience.
Operating the Tizzy Toy has been designed to be a cakewalk. You can use the dedicated controller or your smartphone to set pre-programmed routes or direct the drone using gesture and voice instructions. Moreover, it boasts of a robust 300-meter range and an exhilarating 360-degree flip feature, promising 15 minutes of uninterrupted fun.
For a deeper dive into the drone’s capabilities, there are button-activated RGB fans, a three-way obstacle detection system that efficiently spots barriers up to 60 meters away, and a powerful 50x zoom function. However, try to avoid deploying the drone in windy conditions exceeding 10mph as it can compromise its stability.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality with 4K HD camera,
- User-friendly controls for beginners,
- Exciting 360-degree flip feature,
- Extended flying time with two batteries included
Cons
- Drone stability affected by winds greater than 10mph,
- Potential issues with smartphone connectivity
6. SANROCK U52 Drone
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 13 Minutes Control Range: 100 meters SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 3.33 Hours |
If you’re a novice in the world of drone technology, the SANROCK U52 drone offers a fantastic introduction. This robust drone stands apart with its durable ABS construction. Additionally, it emanates a user-friendly nature, providing multiple control methods – via its app, a remote, voice command, and even through raw gestures.
This drone has an interesting feature in the form of gravity sensors that add a fun twist to the adventure. Use them to embark on a flight journey that mirrors your phone’s movements or drawings. This innovative feature sets it apart from its competitors, making it a unique pick for beginners.
During indoor use, the drone’s advertised battery life stays true, however, external conditions may limit performance. And unfortunately, extra batteries are not included. A slight drawback is the 1080p HD camera. While satisfactory, drones at similar price points may offer higher resolutions.
One great benefit is the live transmission capability of the drone. In addition to capturing photos and videos, it supports FPV (First Person View) transmissions, allowing real-time viewing of images as they’re captured. However, 30-metre is the maximum range for such real-time shots. The drone is intelligent enough to emit alerts once you cross this distance – a smart safety feature indeed.
Pros
- Fun and innovative gravity sensors,
- Multiple control methods,
- Real-time FPV transmissions,
- Durability due to ABS construction
Cons
- Limited to a 1080p HD camera,
- No spare batteries included
7. EMAX Tinyhawk RTF Micro Racing Drone
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.93 pounds (0.42 kg) Size: 4.3 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches (10.9 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm) Max Flight Time: 4 Minutes Charging Time: 1 Hours |
The EMAX Tinyhawk RTF isn’t your average micro racing drone. It’s designed with an emphasis on convenience and notable speed, making it ideal for those just beginning their engagement in the quadcopter pilot community. This bundle, weighing a mere 42g, assures a seemless setup with an FPV kit (inclusive of FPV goggles, remote controller, and a compact carry case), ready to soar straight out of the box.
Built to last, its robust polypropylene frame houses propellers wrapped in protective guards, ensuring longer lifespan even with impact. The micro drone also excels in video transmission, thanks to its FPV camera that relays top-notch FPV footage to your goggles or an external monitor. What’s more, the Tinyhawk introduces the ingenious motor beeper feature designed to locate the drone, a godsend if misplaced in crowded spaces.
Designed to race, it tops our list with an impressive speed of 35mph. It also adapts to your flight preference with three versatile controller modes: Level, Horizon, and Full Acrobatic FPV. However, this power player’s Achilles heel lies in its battery life, clocking the shortest flight duration amongst its peers at a swift four minutes.
Pros
- Ready-to-fly, hassle-free setup,
- High-speed 35mph potential,
- FPV goggles and camera included,
- Ensures longevity with durable build
Cons
- Limited flight time (four minutes)
8. DJI Mavic Mini
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Max Flight Time: 30 Minutes Control Range: 4 Km Gimbal/ Stabilization: 3-axis SD Card Slot: Micro SD Charging Time: 1.5 Hours |
The DJI Mavic Mini is a marvel of compact, lightweight drone technology. Ideal for travel enthusiasts and drone hobbyists, this agile little device captures beautifully clear 12MP photos and supports 2.7K Quad HD videos. Thanks to its motorized 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, the DJI Mavic Mini delivers remarkably steady, focused images, ensuring every shot looks its best.
One of the DJI Mavic Mini’s standout features is its impressive flight duration – being able to stay in the air for up to 30 minutes provides ample time to capture your chosen vistas from the sky. Pair this with a user-friendly design, which makes control through the compact controller effortless. If ever you lose sight of your Mini, the DJI’s Fly App helps you locate and guide it back; it also offers templates for quick video editing on the go. However, do note that features like Sport and CineSmooth modes are only accessible through the app settings.
First launched in 2019, the Mavic Mini was a game changer in the drone industry with its portability and performance. Although the Mini 2, with its newer features, might be tempting, if you’re on a budget, the Mavic Mini still offers value for money.
Pros
- Extended flight time,
- User-friendly design,
- Exceptionally compact, portable,
- 3-axis image stabilization
Cons
- Does not support DNG RAW format,
- 4K video capture not available
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of drones under 300 dollars and decided that 8 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Drone Under 300 is Potensic D58 Drone which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, ATTOP A11 Toy Drone is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying drones under 300 dollars
Return to home mode
This is a feature that allows you to press a button on the controller and have your drone fly itself back to its takeoff point. This can be very useful if it ever loses connection, runs out of battery, etc..
Follow me
This is a feature that allows you to “tag” an object or person with the drone through GPS tracking like a smart phone app. Now when you move the drone will follow that tagged individual and it can also stop, hover, or go back if you double click on the screen. Think of this as having your own personal cameraman but instead of pointing him at whoever is good looking today he follows only you.
Controller
This is the remote control that you will use to fly your drone and it comes in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Most of them come with adjustable controls so that you can customize it for a better flying experience but they all serve the same purpose of controlling the flight modes as well as taking pictures or videos from the air. Many of them also include optional add-ons such as extra battery packs for added flight time or attached cameras so that you can record everything while up in the air.
Sensors
GPS sensors, range finders, and pressure sensors can all be helpful when flying your drone but keep in mind that they are costly add-ons so consider if you really need them before buying one.
Obstacle avoidance
Drone obstacle avoidance is more than just a cool feature – it’s a game-changer in drone safety measures. This system essentially equips the drone with ‘sensory eyes’ that can detect objects in their flight path and re-calculate the trajectory to avoid a collision. It’s virtually like having an invisible shield around your drone, ensuring it doesn’t hit anything you don’t intend it to.
However, not all drones include this next-level intelligence – I urge you to ensure your chosen drone supports this feature before parting with your hard-earned cash. Forearmed is forewarned, right? Remember, flying a drone should be about enjoying the experience, not dealing with potentially expensive disasters.
Connectivity
When it comes to drone functionality, connectivity plays a significant role. While most drones come with built-in WiFi connectivity, bear in mind this isn’t universal. Inexpensive drones might not have Wi-Fi and are instead operated via a controller. Meanwhile, some sophisticated drones amp up the user experience by offering dedicated apps for drone control. Considering these differences while making your purchase decision will ensure smoother flights and enhanced control over your drone.
Questions and Answers About drones under 300 dollars
Are $300 drones good for aerial photography?
Well, drones in the $300 range are great for simple things like filming a walk through of an apartment or snapping some stills from a specific point. But for more advanced projects where you need to cover a lot of ground very quickly and capture photos at various altitude levels (for instance, if you’re trying to shoot video that includes footage from an above-ground pool during the day vs. shots taken at night) drones priced over $400 can handle those tasks with much greater ease.
What makes drones under 300 different than other drones?
Drones under $300 offer a compact size, making them less intimidating and more suitable for novice users or children. While they tend to include basic features like standard video resolution, more expensive models offer enhancements such as high-definition footage and superior flight stability. These budget-friendly drones typically have shorter warranties, which could reflect their durability and reliability.
How many miles can a drone fly?
The distance a drone can cover largely depends on its battery life, the weight it’s carrying, and other conditions. On average, a standard quadcopter with a 2200mAh battery can fly for 6-8 minutes on a single charge. However, this can change based on factors like the drone’s weight, the size of its propellers, the type of motor it uses, its battery size, and the weight of the payload it’s carrying. Lighter drones with larger batteries and smaller propellers usually have a greater flight range.
